Updated at: 06-03-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

Annual salaries of up to $193,500 are possible in the top tier of the cyber security engineering field.

Using hardware, firewalls, and encryption, a cyber security engineer (also called a cyber security analyst) protects corporate databases and networks from intrusion. This position’s duties include cyber security monitoring, software installation and maintenance, and leading response teams in the event of a cyber attack. Engineers in this field often collaborate with their counterparts in other companies’ security departments to exchange intelligence on emerging risks.

If you’re interested in working as a cyber security engineer, you’ll need to study computer science and network security in depth. Bachelor-degree holders are highly sought after by employers. Years of experience, however, might make you ready for the job. Understanding IT infrastructures, being able to work within IT systems, having strong coding skills, and having a wide breadth of knowledge of web applications are all necessary qualifications for a cyber security engineer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a rapid expansion of available certifications in the area of security and IT infrastructure, as well as a correspondingly high demand for qualified workers.

Top Paying Cybersecurity Jobs

Top paying cybersecurity jobs

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

The salary of the executive in charge of information and data security tends to increase in direct proportion to the size of the company. According to Salary.com, the median annual salary is $233,507, with some employees earning close to $300,000 or more.

According to Hunt Scanlon Media, while some chief information security officers (CISOs) may earn total compensation packages close to $500,000, most begin at a base salary of around $275,000. Keep in mind, however, that the salary range is quite wide and is influenced by a variety of factors, such as the nature of the position, the required level of experience, and the company itself.

CSO reports that the average CISO salary is $118,260, with a range from $105,000 to $264,000. For this position, CSO recommends “a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, at least 5 years in a management role, familiarity with a host of security technology and practices, and knowledge of regulations that affect your industry and business.”

Cybersecurity Sales Engineer

There is a constant stream of new and innovative technology solutions available on the market when it comes to cybersecurity; it’s not just about tech wizards minimizing attacks and fending off hackers. While most programmers take pride in their work, the lure of higher salaries can tempt some to pursue careers in other fields. According to ZipRecruiter, the median salary for a cybersecurity sales engineer is $115,000.

Cybersecurity Manager/Administrator

Managers of information security, also called information systems security managers, can expect to earn $150,000 to $225,000 per year in salary in the United States, as reported by Mondo. In most organizations, the head of IT is responsible for spotting weak spots, bolstering security to protect sensitive company data, and supervising the IT department’s staff.

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analyst

U.S. News and World Report ranks this position near the top of its 100 Best Jobs, Best STEM Jobs, and Best Technology Jobs lists, with a median salary of $102,600. Due to their extensive duties in detecting, preventing, and responding to data breaches and cyberattacks, information security analysts are called “the gatekeepers or security guards of information systems” in the article. Employment of those in this field is projected to increase by 35% between 2021 and 2031, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Director of Information Security (IT)

Directors, per Mondo, should have “strong security skills,” the ability to manage and mentor security staff, and a thorough familiarity with the organizations in which they work. To properly allocate time and resources, they must understand the company’s risk assessment methodology. The median salary for an IT security director is $123,000, with the average being $170,981 according to Mondo.

Security Solutions Architect

Salary ranges for security solutions architects in the United States typically fall between $152,000 (25th percentile) and $193,500 (75th percentile) per year. This relatively narrow salary range indicates that workers of varying levels of expertise, geographic location, and years of experience can expect similar earnings in this position, with some room for growth. Recent postings for Security Solutions Architect positions on ZipRecruiter indicate a robust job market in the United States.

Network Security Architect

The median annual salary for a Network Security Architect in the United States is $174,500, up from the low end of the salary distribution at $135,000. This modest salary range indicates that earnings in this position will be stable regardless of one’s level of expertise, geographic location, or length of service, with some room for growth. A quick perusal of job listings for “Network Security Architect” on ZipRecruiter reveals that demand for qualified candidates is high in the United States.

Software Security Engineer

Software security engineers earn an average annual salary of between $112,500 (25th percentile) and $167,500 (75th percentile) in the United States as of right now. This modest salary range indicates that earnings in this position will be stable regardless of one’s level of expertise, geographic location, or length of service, with some room for advancement possible. It appears that many companies in the United States are actively seeking Software Security Engineers, as evidenced by the number of job postings on ZipRecruiter in this field in recent months.

Software Security Architect

The median annual wage for a software security architect in the United States is $116,000. The 25th percentile salary is $116,000. This modest salary range indicates that earnings in this position will be stable regardless of one’s level of expertise, geographic location, or length of service, with some room for growth. Recent postings for Software Security Architect positions on ZipRecruiter indicate strong demand for this skill set among US employers.

Identity Access Management Architect

Data security is the focus of an identity and access management architect. Software engineers are responsible for developing and maintaining applications that facilitate communication between users and an organization’s network and data storage and processing infrastructure. In order to ensure the security of sensitive data stored in the company’s databases, they conduct situational analyses and software testing to identify potential flaws. The identity and access management architect’s job is to devise and implement solutions to any vulnerabilities in the organization’s data security. The users of a system are also put through their paces by these tests, with the goal of seeing how they react in situations where they might inadvertently compromise the system’s security.

Identity Management Developer

Identity Management Developer

Identity Management Developer salaries in the United States typically fall between the median ($120,250) and the 75th percentile ($140,500) of all occupations there. With such a modest wage gap, it seems likely that workers of varying degrees of expertise, geographic location, and years of experience will all receive roughly the same salary in this position, with some room for advancement. Recent job postings on ZipRecruiter indicate that demand for Identity Management Developers is high in the United States.

Information Security Engineer

An information security engineer collaborates with other information security professionals to assess the state of an organization’s computer and network infrastructure and resolve any vulnerabilities that may lead to fraud, cyber attacks, data leaks, or other security breaches. As a security engineer, you are responsible for the upkeep and improvement of existing security infrastructure, as well as the resolution of any problems reported by information security professionals and the exploration of new approaches to these problems. Even though you work in IT, you may be required to report to other divisions in order to keep upper management apprised of the state of the company’s security.

Malware Analyst 

Malware analysts are tasked with discovering and comprehending different kinds of malicious software. Adware, bots, bugs, rootkits, spyware, ransomware, Trojan horses, viruses, and worms are all part of this category.

Malware analysts search for, investigate, and create countermeasures against malicious software.

Security Sales Engineer

IT sales roles are equally important to the industry (and financially advantageous for you), despite the fact that the majority of the highest paying cyber security jobs focus primarily on defense-related coding and auditing. This line of work emerged as industries like healthcare and finance, which rely heavily on private customer information, rushed to implement or improve their network security measures.

Engineers in cyber security are in charge of making sales of security-related products and services. People in this position should have a thorough understanding of the product’s design and technical characteristics, as well as a thorough familiarity with market data and customer needs definition. Starting a career as a cyber security sales engineer might necessitate acquiring a special work permit or license from the government of your state.

It pays well to be a security sales engineer. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for this position is $97,282. New York City professionals can expect to make $117,115 annually, a raise of 12% from the national average of $108,960.

Ethical Hacker

Ethical Hacker

Ethical hackers, also known as “bug bounty hunters,” are among the most in-demand and lucrative members of the cyber security industry. In the last decade, companies like Tesla have begun hiring white-hat hackers to help strengthen their cyberinfrastructure, increasing the visibility of this group.

By acting out hypothetical cyberattacks, ethical hackers hope to find vulnerabilities in a system’s defenses and patch them. Employing these experts allows businesses to fortify their defenses before they’re actually attacked.

Financial generalizations for freelance hacking positions are naturally difficult because of the nature and structure of this type of work. According to ZipRecruiter, the national average salary for a cyber security professional is $119,289, with New York City paying slightly more. However, considerably more cash could be made. In the field of cyber security, it has been reported that some highly skilled freelancers can earn up to $500,000 annually.

FAQs

What is cyber security?

Hackers can be found just about anywhere and are just waiting for the right opportunity to steal, alter, or destroy data. In addition to attempting to steal money from unsuspecting users, hackers regularly disrupt legitimate business operations. Cyber security experts are responsible for preventing attacks like these. Cybersecurity refers to the process of defending computer systems, networks, and software from malicious cyber actors. In order to ward off intrusions, cyber security experts employ various pieces of software and hardware. They also aid in spreading knowledge about safe methods of handling digital assets.

What jobs can you get with a cyber security degree?

Individuals with a degree in cyber security can choose from a wide variety of employment opportunities. There is a wide range of potential applications, from military security to private tech firms. Today, most major businesses need the services of a cyber security expert to ensure the safety of their computer networks and software. This opens up a wide range of career opportunities, so you can pick a field that best suits your expertise and interests. A few examples of careers in cyber security are security analyst, security architect, security software developer, cryptographer, forensics expert, vulnerability assessor, chief information security officer, and many others.

Is a cyber security career a good choice?

The real question is whether or not a career in cyber security is a good idea. The answer appears obvious, what with the availability of readily available training and certifications from places like Western Governors University, the attractiveness of the salary and work environment, and the promise of safety for one’s employer. Many people should absolutely consider cyber security as a potential career path.

Conclusion

If you’re considering a job in the growing cyber security industry, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many avenues open to you and that you can acquire new skills from almost any industry.

Those with experience in information technology will find many of their skills useful in the field of cyber security. Numerous “feeder roles” are tailored toward this type of career path, supplying the groundwork for more senior cyber security roles like administrators and engineers.

Competencies in cryptography, risk assessment and management, and the ability to present and articulate difficult concepts are in high demand. To complete their preparation, interested parties must earn cyber security certification.

Those unfamiliar with technology can still enter the field of cyber security. A few hard skills, like penetration testing, digital forensics, and cloud security, are all that’s required to get started. A background in management can also serve as a stepping stone to a career in the security sector.

Ready to launch into action? A cyber security bootcamp is an outstanding way to acquire (or build) a practical set of skills, regardless of your level of experience.